Kate Malpeli is a Biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey's National Climate Adaptation Science Center. She works on communications and science synthesis for the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center network.
Kate Malpeli is a Biologist with the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center. In this role, Kate helps communicate the activities of the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers to stakeholders and decision-makers. She is also leading evidence synthesis activities to understand the effects of climate variability and change on ungulates populations and the effects of climate on human-wildlife conflict.
Kate received her M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University in 2017, where her research focused analyzing the spatial-temporal patterns of human-black bear conflict in Virginia. She also has a B.A. in Geography from the University of Mary Washington.
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University
B.A. in Geography, University of Mary Washington
Science and Products
Ungulate migration in a changing climate—An initial assessment of climate impacts, management priorities, and science needs
Connectivity and climate change toolkit
What are the effects of climate variability and change on ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migration in western North America? A systematic map protocol
Drought in the U.S. Caribbean:Impacts to Coastal Estuary Ecosystems
Topographic and Hydrographic GIS Datasets for the Afghanistan Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey 2014 Mineral Areas of Interest
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment
The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Conflict in North America
Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America
Science and Products
- Publications
Ungulate migration in a changing climate—An initial assessment of climate impacts, management priorities, and science needs
Executive SummaryMigratory behavior among ungulates in the Western United States occurs in response to changing forage quality and quantity, weather patterns, and predation risk. As snow melts and vegetation green-up begins in late spring and early summer, many migratory ungulates leave their winter range and move to higher elevation summer ranges to access high-quality forage and areas with vegetAuthorsKatherine C. MalpeliConnectivity and climate change toolkit
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Climate Adaptation Committee charged a small working group in September of 2019 to develop a toolkit focused on climate-informed landscape connectivity. The purpose is to provide state fish and wildlife agency planners and managers with the information necessary to ensure climate considerations are being accounted for and incorporated in the planningAuthorsWhitney Albright, Rob Ament, Renee Callahan, Mack W. Frantz, Matthew R. Grabau, Maggie Ernest Johnson, Todd Jones-Farrand, Kate Malpeli, Maureen Millmann, Nathan Muenks, Rebecca Quiñones, Beth Stys, Kimberly TenggardjajaWhat are the effects of climate variability and change on ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migration in western North America? A systematic map protocol
Climate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors, and can affect the growth, development, fecundity, dispersal, and demographic trends of populations. Changes in temperature and precipitation, and resulting shifts in plant phenology, winter severity, drought and wildfire conditions, invasive species distribution and abundance, predation, and dAuthorsKate Malpeli, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Laura Thompson, Amanda R. HardyDrought in the U.S. Caribbean:Impacts to Coastal Estuary Ecosystems
The topography of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is characterized by steep terrain and short distances to the sea. This means that freshwater runs off the islands quickly, coming into contact with seawater in coastal estuaries. The physical characteristics of estuaries change as the tides rise and fall, creating a wide range of habitats that support diverse plants and wildlife, incAuthorsBrent Murry, Miguel Garcia-Bermudez, Shelley Crausbay, Kate MalpeliTopographic and Hydrographic GIS Datasets for the Afghanistan Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey 2014 Mineral Areas of Interest
Mineral extraction and associated industries play an important role in the Afghan economy, particularly in the “transitional era” of declining foreign aid and withdrawal of foreign troops post 2014. In addition to providing a substantial source of government revenue, other potential benefits of natural resource development include boosted exports, employment opportunities, and strengthened industrAuthorsJessica D. DeWitt, Peter G. Chirico, Katherine C. MalpeliNon-USGS Publications**
Malpeli, K.C., Kolowski, J.M., and Sajecki, J.L., 2021, The spatial distribution of American black bear-human interactions in Virgina, USA. Ursus 2021(31218), 1-15.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- Science
Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment
Understanding the interplay between biodiversity and climate change is critical for the implementation of effective and lasting solutions to climate change and for maintaining biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The USGS was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages...The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Conflict in North America
Human-bear conflicts are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict including property damage, livestock depredation, and human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbate human-wildlife conflict by changing resoUnderstanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America
Ungulates, or hoofed mammals such as elk, deer, and moose, occupy a diversity of habitats across North America, from Canada’s high arctic to the deserts of Mexico. Ungulates play an important ecological role, helping to regulate processes such as nutrient cycling in forests and grasslands, through their grazing activities. They are also economically and culturally important, providing recreational...